Curtain track support



I' May Z5, 1942- E. J. VALLEN 2,284,310

CURTAIN TRACK sUPoRT Filed oct. 26, 1939 vINVENTQR EARL J. VALLE AT'i'oRNEY Patented May 26, 19.42

UNITED STATES TET OFFICE This invention relates to curtain tracks for use in theatres, auditoriums, or the like.

An object of the invention is to provide a curtain track of the type formed with oppositely disposed sections in overlapping relation, having associated supporting brackets so formed that they may be interchangeably mounted on` either track section or interconnectedU to secure the overlapping portions of the sections together, the track sections being also relatively adjustable on theY brackets for accurately centering same over a stage opening. l

Another object of the invention isto provide interchangeable end brackets for a curtain track of the type referred to in the preceding-paragraph, these end brackets being interchangeable to support operating sheaves in various positions as desired.

Another object of the invention'is to provide sectional track equipment of the character-described which` is adapted to be assembled quickly with a minimum of eiort.v Y

These and other objectsv of the invention will be manifest from thefollowing brief` description and the accompanying drawing.

Of the accompanying drawing: Y

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a curtain track embodying the invention. ,a Y' p.

Figure 2 is a partial plan view thereof, as viewed at the right of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end view of the track, as viewed from the left of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an end view, as viewed from the right of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a cross-section of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a cross-section taken on line '1 -'I of Figure 6. v

VReferring to the drawing the numerals I0 and II designate generally a pair of channel-shaped track sections arranged back to back, with the taken on line 6 6 and I8 may connect between flanges open space I5 provided to coincide with the longitudinal openings VI2a formed between the flanges I2 of the respective track sections. EX- tending outwardly in opposite dirctionsfrom the top of body Y-Ill may be a pair of similar flanges I6, I6 adapted to be suitably secured to' an overhead structure (not shown). Webs I'I I6 and the body I4 to reinforce'the bracket, but the vweb I8 connecting the backwall of the body is formedlto provide av at outer surface at one side ofthe bracket. It will be readily seen that the brackets may be shiftably and interchangeably mounted on either of the channel sections. An apertured web Ita may connect between the flanges I6, to provide 'eiective means for optionally suspending the brackets on cables (not shown) depending from convenient overhead supports. i

For connecting thertrack sections I0 and II together at the overlapping portions thereof, the oppositely disposed brackets on the respective sections may be arranged, with the webs I8 secured together, as by means of a bolt I9 received through cooperating openings 29, 20 in the webs (see Figures `2, 6 and 7,)

At opposite ends be brackets 2|, 2I which are also utilized for.

. supportin`g` U-shape d brackets 25 of curtainopends held together in overlapping relation at the 1 center of the track, substantially as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6. The channel sections are Y identical in cross-section, being tapered toward the bottom thereof, and having inwardly turned upper and lower flanges I2, I2 on the open sides of the respective sections.

For supporting the curtain track in position over a stage opening, identical intermediate brackets I3, I3 may be provided, these having channel-shaped body portions I4 for slidably embracing channel sections I D and II, with an erating sheaves 22 and r23,v 23 in various arrangements as required. The brackets 2I are substantially identical to brackets I4, like parts being given like numerals, the essential dii'erence being the provision of a bottom ange 24 extending rearwardly of the body I4, and reinforced by a web I8a. This construction of end brackets 2l is such that they may be interchangeably secured on the outer ends of either track section, as by means of set screws 2Ia. In any case the anges 24 may be utilized to secure a U-shaped bracket 25 at one end of the track, to support sheave 22 in a horizontal position, substantially as shown in Figure 4, or two of such brackets 25 may be secured to a flange 24 at the opposite end of the track with the sheaves 23, 23 thereof in vertical alignment with the vertical centers of tracks IIJ and II, as shown in Figure 3.

Guided around sheave 22, along both track sections I0 and II., and over sheaves 23, 23 may be the usual operating cable 26, which extends downwardly to operating means (not shown) at one side of the stage opening. Along the open sides of track sections I0 and II are oating curtain carriers 21, 21, having rollers 28, 28 for rolling engagement in the tracks. Fixed in the of theY sectional track .may

Y to without departing from the spirit thereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

vl. A bracket for supporting sectional curtain track equipment of the type including a pair of oppositely disposed,y track sections having front and back'portions and adapted to be supported in a stage opening or the like in overlapped back to eyelets 32 on the lower ends thereof by means lof trim cords 33. This carrier and cable operating equipment is of known type, in which pulling the cable 26 one way opens the curtains (not shown) and pulling it the other way closes the K curtains.

In securing the track to rafters, overhead beams or like supports, the requisite number of intermediate brackets I3 is first placed on the respective sections ID and Il. 'I'he track sections preferably are raised to position with a substantial overlapped portion at the center as shown, and' the brackets are slid along the sections to suitableLattaching postions on the overhead support. .The brackets I3' being identical, webs I8 of adjacentbrackets at the overlapping portions of the'oppositely faced track sections maybe con-V nected together by bolts I9 engaged through co,` operating apertures 20 in the respectivejbrackets. With the track sections-l0 and I lthus connected together' as required, the lendr brackets 2| may be slidfihto' place "andsecured tozthe overhea'd'sup-V port (not shown).A YBrackets 2| being identical, they may be interchangeably securedrto either end .ofthe track, with'the'cable operating sheaves 22 or'f23 'assembledthereon 'as desired; or the brackets 2l `may be rstrsecured in place on the sections andthe U-sh'aped brackets 25 of sheaves 22 o`r 23'scured on the flanges 24 thereof, to suit therequirements. l l

Thus has been provided improved supporting brackets forfsectional curtain tracks,l by means of 'tured member on ,a llike to back relation, said bracket comprising a body having a recess therein for longitudinally slidably'receiving either one of said track sections, means on said body for fastening it to an overv head structure to support the track section, and

an Aintegral apertured member at one side of said body to extend at the back of the track section on which it is mounted, said member being proportioned to be interengageable with the aperbracket longitudinally slidably. received in oppositely disposed relation ontlie other of the track sections, whereby pairs ofilikerbracketson the oppositely disposed track sections are adapted to be bolted together through the 'apertures of theV interengaged4 members thereof to secure said track sections in said overlapping relatioILjV 2. A1 bracket for supporting `:sectional curtain trackiequipment of the type including a pair of channel-shaped track sections'adapted to be. sup

- ported in a stagel opening or the like in backto back overlappingrelation and in which the track 'sections havef` oppositely disposed inwardly directed longitudinal flanges'v at the open sides thereof, said bracket comprising. a bodyfor longi- Y tudinally shiftably,embracingeitherone o'f said track sections, said body having'oppositely disposed inturned portions -at an fopen side thereof Wlrich the curtain Ytrackgmay be quickly yas- Y semble*` and supported centered position on;

overhead supporting'means ina stage opening. Thel interchangeabilityA of` these track supporting brackets obviates the usual difficulty'of` tting the brackets where theybelong',and provides novelmeans' for connecting the track sections* togetheratfthe overlapping portions thereof. Y'

, Modifications of the invention may be resorted lapping` relation;

for engaging said longitudinal 'anges on'a track section, means on saidbody for'fastening it to anoverhead 'structure to support the track section, and an integral apertured memberextending at the closed side of said body,:pai'rs of said bracketsbeing adapted to be mounted in opposite relation on said track sections with said members thereofin'overlapping-engagement and with the apertures of the members inalignmentfwhereby pairs of said brackels'marbebolted ,together through said aligned` aperturesfof themembers thereofto secure said track sectionsin'saidover- 

